Microsoft will begin selling Xbox titles within its Android app next month in the US. In November, players will be able to purchase and subsequently play select games on their mobile devices.
The announcement comes days after the ruling that Google must allow third-party developers to use billing systems outside of Google Play and the Google Play Store. Xbox president Sarah Bond took to X (formally Twitter) to announce Microsoft’s upcoming moves on Android.
“The court’s ruling to open up Google’s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility,” Bond says. “Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the Xbox App on Android.”
This week, US District Judge James Donato in California rendered a verdict stating Google’s Android and app store marketplace was deemed an illegal monopoly. Google is hereby forced to open up the Pla Store and Android to allow competition for the next three years. Third-party developers are allowed to circumvent the Google Play Billing system, introducing their payment methods. Google must also allow competitive third-party app stores within Google Play.
Thus, in the US, Xbox will incorporate Xbox store purchases directly within its app on Android. Players will be able to log in and purchase Xbox games within the app. Using Xbox Cloud Gaming, players will then be able to stream games on their Android devices.
Google isn’t forced to abide by the same structure here in Canada as the verdict was specific under US law. So, unfortunately, Xbox will not be able to begin selling games directly within its Android app here in Canada. Microsoft is in a rather strange position. In Canada, users can freely log into both the PlayStation and Steam app and make purchases. It’s unclear why players may be able to do this across iOS and Android but not on the Xbox app.
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